Enrolment trends in school science education in Australia

Abstract

This paper describes the Australian education system and the changes which have occurred in the provision of science education in primary and secondary education in recent years. In particular, the introduction of science and technology as two of eight Key Learning Areas at the primary level is noteworthy in that it was the result of a national initiative in an education system which is State (and Territory) based. The enrolments in various science courses at the upper secondary school level are documented for the period 1980-1998. Trends in these enrolments are analysed in terms of the changing nature of the upper secondary school population, particularly with respect to retentivity and gender balance. Whilst considerable effort has been made to enhance the participation in science courses at the upper secondary level, little progress has been made in enrolments in comparison to the Year 12 cohort student numbers.